"Good-bye, so long, farewell my friends..."

The music class, minus 2.

Today was our last day of Music Together class. We've had such a good time and enjoyed it so much. At the end of each class, we sing a good-bye song: "Good-bye, so long, farewell my friends...we'll see you soon again my friends and make music together again". We can't wait for January to come so we can start up again!

Meeting new friends

A little help from a (new) friend.


One of J's old college buddies was in town and stopped by with his wife and their son. These 2 go waaaay back...studio, critiques, internships, Italy, studio, Italy, studio, full-time job etc., etc. When it was time to go, the C.N. went into full Mommy-mode. You'd never know that generally putting on shoes is accompanied by screams of frustration based on the photos. It was sweet to see. We also had unseasonably warm weather on Sunday, hence no coat. We're making up for it...there is snow in the forecast and I'm happy to report that the Noodle went to bed wearing a jammie top (and only a few tears). At least part of her will be warm!

Thanksgiving re-cap

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

So innocent...
and yet, with the tug on the ribbons...voila!
Two of my biggest blessings.
What gathering would be complete without a little piano time?
Hugs all around at the end of a delicious dinner.

Our Thanksgiving was a traditional one with all the fixins'. Turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry salad, corn, green beans, rolls, stuffing--sooooo much food. So tasty too. There were 16 of us gathered around the table and I know I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that it was a joyful, family-filled time.

This year, J's aunt decided to have everyone write down on tissue paper leaves what they were thankful for and then incorporated them into the centerpiece. One of the teenage cousins wrote "I'm thankful for my parents because I wouldn't be where I am without them". Isn't that so sweet? Just exactly what I hope the Noodle says one day. When I asked her what she was thankful for, she replied "Ummm...Pooh Bear". Out of the mouth of babes, I guess.

The next Iron Chef?

What started out as "grocery" turned into "cooking". Ya gotta love when independent play happens :) Here's hoping that you and yours have a tasty meal surrounded by loved ones. Be blessed.

Pre-Thanksgiving celebration

For the past few years, we have gotten together with some other young couples from church to have a little "pre-Thanksgiving" celebration. Before there were kiddos involved, it usually meant meeting up at a local establishment for a tasty meal and a drink. Once there were little ones around, we'd meet at somebody's home for pizza. Unfortunately this year, with all the nasty bugs floating around, that didn't happen :(

J and I decided to have our own "pre-Thanksgiving" celebration with the Noodle and take her to a local, family-run ice cream parlor. She had never been here before so we thought it would be a fun way to start the holiday festivities. It is a total throw-back in time, all the way down to the uniforms that they wear. And all the pink and green...my oh my!! This specific location also has a carousel that slowly spins around and around and around. A little girl's dream!

The parlor...in all its glory.
Enjoying the pretzels before the ice cream. Yum!!
I'm spinning!
Too many choices.
See what I mean about the uniforms...classic!!
Yes, I take my hot fudge very seriously.
Giggles all around.

In keeping with the concept of celebrating, I just recently read an article about a family who pre-determines 24 special activities and puts the ideas into their Advent calendar. Each day when they open the calendar, they have something unique to do on that day, thus ensuring that they really slow down and enjoy this wonderful time of the year. Some days the item was simple, like watch a Christmas movie as a family. Other days it was more extravegant, like have breakfast with Santa Clause. What a neat idea! So my question is this: What are special traditions, memories, etc. that you do to help celebrate the holiday season? I'd love to hear!!

A morning ritual...with a twist

Most mornings, when the Noodle wakes up, she loves to bundle up and go downstairs to read books. This snuggle time is of course wonderful for J and I too. This morning, she decided she wanted to really get cozy...and wear her new hat and mittens. She also has on some new jammies (thanks Grandma!).

A habit that started in the summer (sleeping only in a diaper--still wearing one at nap and during the night although most times she's dry) has continued, even though the weather has turned colder. We keep telling her that once the snow flies she HAS to sleep in jammies, but darn it, just like a strong-willed almost 3-year-old, she has her own agenda. She likes to be completely swaddled in blankets, to the point where she almost can't move. The good thing is that she's pretty covered, but still. When the temps are down in the single digits, you need more to keep warm! Especially considering that a certain someone turns the thermostat back to 58 degrees at night!!! Brrrrrr. Thankfully, most times we can convince her to put jammies on when she gets up, but not all the time. Sigh. I just keep telling myself that she won't freeze herself to death.................

Wordless Wednesday

Not a baby anymore....

Was looking for a different picture, but came across this one instead from last November...just melts my heart (the leg that J's showing isn't too bad either--ha!)



WOW. It is so easy to forget how fast they grow and change. If you're anything like our family, we don't tend to print up our digital pictures. Maybe we go back and flip through 1 or 2 files, but it is not the same as having the real photos in front of you to help you reminisce. I REALLY need to make it a point to print up some and put them in an album. The Noodle's Lifebook is finished and other scrapbooks are too, but still. Perhaps this will go on my New Year's resolution list?! We'll see.

Storytime at the library

We normally do storytime at the library on Wednesdays, but it ended a few weeks ago and won't start up again until January. They offer a "drop-in" storytime on Fridays with a craft, so we decided to go give it a shot. This week's theme was all about bears. Cute stories, cute activity. Good way to keep an active little one busy. After that it was off to the park again. We've had a number of sunny days and the temps are actually quite pleasant today. I figured we'd better make the most of it. As we were leaving, the Noodle said "Mama, I love this park". Lately she's been very adamant and vocal about saying what she likes or loves. A couple examples are: "I love rice", "I like dino book" (How does a Dinosaur Say Goodnight?), and "I love ____ (Elmo, Pooh Bear, Eeyore, etc.)". What a little character :)

Thankful Thursday

Today, we're thankful for sunny, blue skies in November...even if the wind is cold and biting! I'm also thankful that I passed my Centergy assessment and so now I'm officially certified to teach!! Anyone that lives in the area, feel free to come to the Tues. 5 a.m. class :)

FCC celebrates National Adoption Month

Happy Family Day
Yummy :)
So how exactly am I suppose to use this fan?
Ah haaa!
Tee hee hee hee hee
Dancin', dancin', dancin'!!

All the kiddos
For those of you who don't know, November is officially considered National Adoption Month. Nov. 8th marked the first "Orphan Sunday" that many churches (including ours)throughout the US participated in. You can find out more about it here. We also participated in our local FCC chapter's event to celebrate adoption with a tasty dinner and some Chinese dancing. Whenever we attend one of these functions, I'm always reminded that it is so important for the Noodle to see families that look like ours as well as to celebrate her heritage. It was a fun event and once she warmed up, she had a blast.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Halloween!

Lollie and Papa came over for dinner and then to hand out candy so that J and I could take the Noodle out trick-or-treating. She did pretty well and only got spooked once or twice. She's definitely into the candy-thing, and for only going to about 10 houses, she scored quite a lot of loot. Hope your Halloween was filled with lots of treats.